Coin-controlled dispensing mechanism and circuit therefor



Aug- 31, 1954 J. c. KOCH 2,687,794

com-coNTRoLLEn DIsPENsING MECHANISM AND CIRCUIT THEREFOR sl sheets-sheet1 Filed Aug. 29, 1950 KE l5 INVENTOR. /3 .1% c. Koo/f BY /Z ATTORNEYAug. 31, 1954 J. c. KocH COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING MECHANISM ANDCIRCUIT THEREFOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 29, 1950 l fill/111114 5 /3INVENTOR.

.10471. c. froci-f BY 6 i ATTORNEY llg- 31, 1954 J. c. KocH 2,687,794

COIN-CONTROLLED DISPENSING MECHANISM AND CIRCUITV THEREFOR Filed Aug.29, 195o 1 s sheets-sheet s y }SILVER JOH/V O. KOCH ATTORNEY PatentedAug. 31, 1954 v COIN -CONTROLLED DISPEN SING MECH- ANISM AND CIRCUITTHEREFOR John C. Koch, Campbell, Calif., assigner to S & S

Vending Machine Com corporation of Californ pany, San Jose, Calif., a 1aApplication August 29, 1950, Serial No. 182,112

19 Claims.

This invention relates to a coin-controlled circuit andto thecoin-controlled switch that actuates the circuit. It may be used inconnection with various automatic vending machines and has been foundparticularly useful in ice-vending machines.

One problem solved by this invention is that of getting actuation bydifferent combinations of coins` that total the same money value. Forexample, suppose that twenty-live pounds of ice sellsfor thirty cents.The purchaser may wish to use a quarter and a nickel, or three dimes, orsix nickels, or two dimes and two nickels, or one dime and four nickels.It has'been diicult to devise an apparatus that will respond in the sameWay to all suchcombinations. One reason for the difficulty is the factthat each denomination of coin is of different value and weight. In adevice to be operated by different combinations of coins some simplecompensation means must be provided, and the present invention offers asimple, practical solution to that problem. The same principles may beused to adjust for the differences between pennies and the other coins,

, but a discussion of combinations including nickels, dimes and quarterswill serve to explain the invention. l

Another problem solved by this invention has been the one of how toprovide a machine which can be adjusted easily in a fool-proof manner totake care of price changes. Heretofore an expert skilled mechanic had tobe called in to adjust the balances every time the price `was changed.The present invention has solved this problem so now the balancemechanism can easily be adjusted for a change in price by a clerk orother usual store `employee in no more time than it takes him to open upthe box containing the mechanism.

Another problem solved by this invention can best be understood byconsidering an example. In ice-ven`ding machines7 each delivery of theicetalres from ve toten seconds after the proper combination of coinshas been inserted. If a customer is able to insert another combinationof coins before the ice has been delivered, he

loses his coins, gets no ice, and is a dissatisfied customer. Thepresent invention has solved this problem by incorporating a mechanismthat will not take additional coins until the ice already paid for hasbeen delivered and the cycle completed. l

The invention may be used in conjunction with any well-known type ofcoin inserting mechanism and relates to the combination which will eiectthe foregoing and other results to be pointed out herein.

Other features, advantages, and objects of the invention will appearfrom the following description of` a particular embodiment of it. Thedescription given in accordance with U. S. Revised Statutes, Section4888, is illustrative of the principlesA not coextensive with them, andis not intended to limit the invention except as required by theappended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a coin-operated mechanism embodying theprinciples of the invention. i Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation and insection taken generally along the line 2 2 in Fig. 1, but cut away sothat the `micro switch can be seen.

Fig. Sie a detail view of the pivot point taken along the line 3 3 ofFig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a view in section taken along the line 4 4 in Fig. 1, showingthenickel coin chute in cross section.

Fig. 5 isaplan view in section of the nickel chute, taken along the line5 5 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a View inv perspective of the pivotally mounted balancemechanism.

Fig. 7 is aview in section taken along the line 'lin Fig. 1 showing thecoin receptacle in the counterweight.

Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram of the circuit of this invention, and

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic plan view of the balance and coin receptacleportion oi" the mechamsm.

Before proceeding to a detailed explanation of fthe whole device, itwill probably facilitate the understanding of the invention to explainfirst, in reference to Fig. 9, the several features of the balancemechanism where it is set up to receive coins of three denominations.

The balance mechanism includes a separate receptacle 6|, l2 and J3 foreach coin, each receptacle being mounted on arms Xand Y prolecting outfrom the pivot point Z. The arm X in Fig. 9 corresponds to the spacer t2and a por.- ton of the member 50. The arm Y corresponds to the arm l0and a portion of `the member 60.

i Projecting from the `opposite side of the` pivot point is acounterweight having also a coin receptacle 80 in or adjacent it mountedthe same distance X from the pivot point Z as the receptacle El that isto receive the customers coin of the smallest denomination used in thecoin receptacle 8B in making any price changes. When there are no coinsin thev receptacles 6l, 12, 13

and Bil the counterweight is calculated to be enough overbalanced by theweight of the receptacles tl, l2 and 'i3 just to actuate the energizingmechanism.

The balance mechanism can then be set by the store operator to actuatethe energizing mechanism upon the deposit by the customer of any numberof coins of the smallest denomination from one on up, by his placing inthe coin receptacle 8G on the counterbalance, the number of such coinsthat are to equal .the purchase price of the goods being dispensed.rIhis means there are no delicate adjustments to be made. When the pricegoes up or down all the store operator does is open up the back and putin or remove from the counterbalance coin receptacle Bil the number ofcoins representing the price change.

For example, if the price is to be figured in multiples of 5 cents andthe nickel coin is to be used, the receptacle 6| to receive thecustomers nickel is mounted on an arm X that is the same distance fromthe pivot point Z as is the coin receptacle 86 on the counterweight. Ifthe total purchase price is 5 cents, the store operator will place a vecent piece in the coin receptacle im on the counterweight. This weightis sufficient to hold the balance mechanism in level (inoperative)position until the customers nickel dro-ps into the receptacle 52. Thecustomers nickel overbalances the counterweight and the energizingmechanism is actuated. If the total purchase price is 10 cents, 15cents, 20 cents, or 25 cents, the store operator will place in thereceptacle 8i) of the counterweight either 2 nickels, 3 nickels, 4nickels, or 5 nickels respectively. The operation, for example, when setfor a 25 cent purchase price, will entail the customer dropping fivenickels into the receptacle 6|. This will overbalance the live nickelsheldin the coin receptacle 80 on the counterweight, and the energizingmechanism will go to work .purveying to the customer the goods paid for.

When the purchase price is ten cents or more, experience has shown thatprovision must be made for the customer who will not have in change thetwo or 'more nickels needed, but he may have a dime and Ysome nickels.For example, the price is a quarter, the customer may have a quarter, ortwo dimes and a nickel, or a dime vand three nickels.

To care for this situation and still keep the lmechanism so that theprice can be changed by the store operator merely inserting or removingnickels from the coin receptacle Bil on the counterweight, thereceptacles l2 and 13 -to receive the customers dime or quarterrespectively (or other coin if in larger denominations) are mounted onythe iarm Y. Arm Y is of such a length that a -customers dime dropped inthe dime receptacle 'I2 will balance the weight of two of the nickelsput in the coin receptacle 80 on the counterweight, and a customersquarter in its receptacle 13 will balance the weight of five of thenickels put in the coin receptacle 8l] on the counter- Weight. In thecase of a silver dime and a silver quarter a common arm Y can supporttheir rey spective receptacles l2 and 'I3 because a quarter weighs twoand a half times what a dime weighs.

This simple, fool-proof mechanism makes it possible for the storeoperator to change the price as market conditions dictate and withouthaving to call a service man to make the change in the coin balancemechanism. All the store operator does is to put into the coinreceptacle 80 on the counterweight the number of nickels that representthe purchase price. When the customer matches this with the deposit inthe receptacle 6l of the requisite number of nickels or with coins ofequivalent value in the other receptacles 'I2 or 13, the counterweightis overbalanced and the energizing mechanism is actuated to release tothe customer the goods he paid for.

Following is a description of the mechanism by which the customer'smoney gets into the receptacles and how movement of the balancemechanism sets in operation the dispensing cycle so the goods arereleased to the customer.

The coin chi/.ics A (Figs. l 2) The coin introducing portions of thedevice are supported on a frame iii that fits into a closed housing (notshown) or into a recess in the wall of a building (also not shown). Theframe l@ includes a front plate ii that may form the iront wall oi thehousing or cover the front of the wall recess. The frame lo alsoincludes two side bars l2 and i2 `that extend back from adjacent eachend ci the plate il, a rear frame assembly M that is secured to the barsi2 and i3. An outside coin-catching guard I5 may extend up diagonallyfrom the lower part of the front plate il. The guide iii catches anysmall coins that are placed on 'the wrong vcoin chute and fall through,and its upper extension also prevents the coin. slides from being drawnback too far.

The coin feed mechanism A includes three coin chutes which fit through ahorizontal slot it in the plate ii. Each chute includes a slide 2t thathas a round coin pocket 2l and reoiprocates in a sleeve-shaped guidemember 22. This guide member 22 is lcast with Lip-standing iianges i3through which bolts may be screwed into the rear face of the plate ii tosecure the coin feed mechanism A to the frame iii.

To prevent a customer from inserting a dime into either the nickel orthe quarter pocket 2i, or from inserting a'nickel into the quarterpocket, an opening 25 is provided leaving a ledge to support the propercoin, but providing an opening through which the smaller coins will.fall. A proper coin in proper position for insertion will rest in itspockety 2i lat on the bottom plate 26 of the guide 22 ready for theslide 2li to move it inwardly.

When the slide 'All is moved its full stroke `it comes against a stopmember 2l, at which location good coins will drop through an opening 2Sin the plate ZG. Over each slide is a horseshoe magnet Si) to attractand hold iron slugs and prevent them from dropping through the openings23. Upon retraction of the slide 2D a slug will be drawn back to itsstarting position where the customer can replace it with a good coin.Perforated coins are prevented from getting as .tar as the opening 2S bya dog 32 that will drop down into the perforation in the coin. Fordetails on these and other fraud-preventing devices connected with thecoin chute, reference may oe had to Patent No. 2,135,710 as they form nopart of the present invention.

The nickel coin chute (Figs. e and 5) The nickel coin chute is somewhatdifferent 'from the others, because as will appear later in thedescription, the receptacle 6l into which the nickel must fall islocated :further back from the plate Il than `the receptacles 'l2 and 13into which the dimes and quarters fall. VSince the frame bars|2 and i3.

is made up by usingI two nickels to ll in the space between the nickeldrop out opening 46 and the coin opening 2|. When in operation these twonickels are already in the machine so the customers nickel isimmediately effective to drop `a nickel into the nickel receptacle 6|.

Instead of falling directly from the coin receptacle opening 2| through`the drop-out opening 28 into its coin receptacle as do the dimes andthe quarters, each nickel rst drops down onto a `plate 40 secureddirectly beneath the opening 28 and the coin guide 22. The rst nickel remains there as the slide 2!! is retracted and a leaf spring pusher foot4|, secured to the lower edge of the front end 42 of the nickel slide 20passes back over the nickel and drops down behind it. On the next strokeof the nickel slide 2|) the turned-up end 513 of the spring foot `4|engages the first nickel and pushes it partway `along over the plate 40,while the second nickel drops down onto the plate `4|). Upon retractionof the slide 20 the `foot 4| gets behind this second nickel and if theslide 20 is moved inwardly the second nickel will push the rst nickelalong the plate lo until it comes under a spring t5 which is at the edgeof the nickel drop-out opening 46.

`The nickel slot is now loaded andready to function. Insertion of athird nickel will allow the slide Z to make a full stroke which willallow the foot 4l to push the second nickel under the spring 45 andwillcause the rst nickel to be pushed oi the end of the plate 40, so it willdrop down through theopening 136. Unless a third nickel is inserted inthe slide openingZl, the nickel under the spring 45 cannot be releasedby pushing in theslide 26 because the pawl 32 will Afall into theopening 2| and stop the stroke ofthe slide 26 before the foot 4| canreach the second nickel to move it under the spring 45 and therebyrelease the iirst nickel.

The spring v135 not only retains the nickel at the edge of the opening46, but it also serves `to support the nickel in a level position untilit is al- `most completely over the edge of the opening `46. The spring41 is provided incase the spring 45 should tend to tiltthe nickelupwardly as it passes over the rim. l

The balance mechazsm (Figs. 6, 7, 1,` 2, and 3) The general principlesof this balance mechanism have already been explained. The device maytake many forms depending on the designits fulcrum D and to actuate theswitch F.

The fulcrum D for the actuator C Icomprises a pair ofknife-edgetrunnions 50 secured to each side of the actuator body. `Thetrunnions 50 are supported on bearings 5| that may be cut in the (SeeFig. 3). Preferably the bearing openings 52 are so shaped that theactuator C cannot swing back (counterclockwise in Fig. 2) further thanits horizontal position. A stop member 53 is also provided on the rearassembly I4, comprising a bracket 54 and a threaded member 55. (See Fig.2.)

The actuator C has three coin receptacles. The nickel coin receptacle 6|`is `secured close to the actuator body '60. (Figs. 4 and 5). A spacerreceptacle 6| the correct distance from the fulcrum D. The nickelreceptacle 6| includes a floor plate 63, a verticalrear wall 64, and twovertical side Walls 65 and 66. The slope of the floor plate 63 tends toretain the coins that drop intoit. The front wall of the pan `6| is openso that the coins will slide out the front end when the actuator body 60is tilted to dump the coins and start the dispensing cycle. Ai plate 61is secured to the bottom of the slide 4|] closely adjacent the front ofthe receptacle 6| (when the actuatorbody 60 is in horizontal position)to prevent nickels from accidentally falling out of the receptacle.

A threaded rod 10 is secured to the front of the actuator body 60.(Figs. 1, 2, and 6.) At the outboard end of the rod 10 there is abracket 1| to which the dime receptacle 12 and quarter receptacle 'I3are secured. Since dimes and quarters have about the same Weight pervalue their pans 'I2 and 13 are supported about the same distance fromthe fulcrum D. The receptacles 12 and 13 are similar in construction tothe nickel receptacle 6 I except for size and depth, and need nofurther` explanation. A plate 'I4 depending from the guide plate 22adjacent the drop-out opening 28 prevents dimes and quarters fromfalling out the front end of the pans 12 and 13.

An adjustable counterweight 'l5 is thre-aded on the rod lll` beforeinstallation, and is held in its proper position by a lock nut 16. Thismakes it possible to adjust the balance of the actuator to take care ofvariations in manufacture.

A solenoid core l1 depends from the rod 1|! and is mounted to enter thesolenoid G through an opening 'I8 when deposit of the requisite coins inthe receptacles causes the actuator C `to tip. When the solenoid G isenergized it pulls the actuator C into its coin-dumping position andholds it there until the cake of ice has passed into the delivery chute.

Adjustment of the actuator counterwez'yht for changes in price (Figs. 1,2, 5, 6, and 7) It has been explained earlier, the ease with which astore manager can adjust this mechanism to care for a change in price,namely, by adding or removing coins from the counterweight. To permitthis, a receptacle E is provided in the actuator body 60 on the oppositeside of` the fulcrum D from the receptacles B. The receptacle E is agenerally cylindrical chamber open on its upper and side edges and`covered. on the upper `edge by a removable plate 8|. A coil coinsupporting spring 82, preferably loosely coiled, is inserted in thechamber 80 before the plate 8| is installed. i

Whatever nickels 83 are in the chamber 80 are retained upright by thespring 82. These nickels are the same `effective distance X from thefulcrum D as the nickel receptacle 6|. Each nickel added in the chamber80 adds live cents to the price,` because it means that the customermust insert live more cents of value in the coin receptacles before theactuator C will be overbalanced. Similarly each nickel removed from thechamber 80 reduces the price to the customer ve cents. Once access ishad to the chamber 80, it takes only a second `or two for the storeclerk to change the price.

'Actuation of Vthe linserted in the coin feed A by the customer, and

they have fallen into the coin receptacles, they will tilt the actuatorC which will carry the bracket 35 into engagement with the lever 85 aswitch -mounted on the frame |53. (See Figs. 2 and 6.)

.actuation of the switch F initiates the dispensing cycle. Among otherthings, as explained in the ysection entitled The circuit, it energizesthe solenoid Ci, the core ll of which is pulled into the magnet until itstrikes the bottom plate. This carries the actuator body C andthe coinreceptacles into position where the coins fall out of the receptacles.The jar on the coin receptacles as the solenoid draws the core againstthe bottom plate will in most cases remove the coins. Any that remainwill gradually fall out of the receptacles due to the vibrationtransmitted to .the receptacles from the alternating current in thesoienoid. The actuator is retained in this position until the circuit isde-energized, following which the counterweight C lifts the coinreceptacles back up under the coindrop out openings 2d and l.

Coin Zoek-out during the dispensing cycle (Figs. 1, 2, e, and 8) Amechanism is provided to lock-out further coins and prevent theirinsertion by a customer until a cycle in progress has been completed.rlhis mechanism includes the solenoid l-I and a plurality of lock outbars 9d, one for each coin feed chute. Each bar @t has a small stud 9|at its inner end for pivotal mounting in a pocket 92 between the arms ofthe horseshoe magnet sii. Near its forward end the bar te has a shoulderthat limits its downward movement by engaging the upper surface of thecoin guide frame 22. The vertical face iid of the bar projects into thepath of the coin slide v20. If the latter is pushed in it will hit theshoulder S4 before it can move its full stroke. A coin cannot beinserted far enough to fall through the openings or it unless the lockout bar 9&3 is lifted out of the way.

Normally the bars te are held up by solenoid H where they will not lockout the coin slides 29. A horizontal rod 9E passes beneath the fore partSS of each bar 953 and is secured toa core 91 of the solenoid H. Whenthe solenoid H is energized, the core Si and the rod Q5 are lifted,which holds the lock out bars si out of the way of the slide 2Q.Solenoid H is energized at all times, except during a delivery cycle orwhen the lever |5| drops. When it is rie-energized, a leaf spring tmounted over the center coin chute 2i) assists the force of gravity inovercoming any residual magnetism or friction in dropping the lock outbars 90.

The circuit (Fig. 8)

A source of alternating current is used, preferably ll() volts at 60cycles, although other voltages and frequencies may be used. Preferablyone line its is hot and the other line |0| is grounded so as to beneutral. A main' control switch H32 is available for the user to shutdown `the device at night or for repairs.

The 24 volt circuit originates in a 11C-Volt to 2li-volt transformer |20placed across the input lines |08 and |0| and having a hot output lead|2| and a grounded output lead |22.

A resistor ||2 may be placed in parallel with the motor ||0 to warm therelay box inside the ice vending machine to keep it from freezing. It isnot necessary otherwise.

rIwo separate circuits are used in connection with a two-pole singlethrow relay |103. One is the 110 volt circuit that energizes the motor Mon the dispensing belt mechanism. The other is the 2a volt circuit'thatcontrols the solenoids, relays, etc.

The relay N23 is energized when the customers coins tilt the actuator Cand close the micro switch contact at |4| to initiate the dispensingcycle.

The 110 volt motor drive circuit includes the leads Hi8, It, and isconnected to the relay contacts its and |535 so that the upper contactbar |61 on the relay 03 closes the circuit. The motor Il@ moves aconveyor belt J shown diagrammatically in Fig. 8 to dispense one blockof ice (or other unit-packed merchandise) on each cycle and to move ablock of ice up to the ready position to take the place of the onedispensed. The motor ||0 operates only when the relay |03 is energizedand stops the instant a cake of ice is dispensed. The relay |03 isdeenergized when the dispensed cake of ice slides off the belt into thedelivery chute K at which time the cake of ice engages the arm |551 onthe limit switch |23 and opens the circuit at |2312.

Unless there is more ice in the box ready to be dispensed and unless thecake of ice next to be dispensed is up at the ready position, the armlei on the limit switch |261 will drop down into the dotted lineposition (Fig. 8) and will open the contacts at iEa so that the wholecontrol circuit will be die-energized. This means that the solenoid Hwill also be ole-energized so the customers money cannot be inserted farenough to drop into the receptacles to tilt the actuator C. When ice isin the machine ready to be dispensed the arm |5| will be held up so thecontacts at irZld will be closed.

From the transformer i2@ the 24 volt circuit runs through the lead |2|to the normally closed limit switch |2i, then through the lead |25 tothe normally closed rlimit switch B23, then through the lead i261 to apoint lita where the circuit branches. One branch runs through the lead|28 to the switch arm ma then to the normally closed contact point 45,then to lead |46 to the relay H and through the lead Ml to ground. Thislatter part of the circuit keeps the solenoid H energized which holdsthe coin lockout bars elevated so that a customers coins can be receivedinto coin receptacles on the actuator.

When the customers coins fall into the receptacles on the actuator C andthe projection B5 moves the switch lever it, it moves the two switcharms M0 and dta, each of which closes different circuits. The switch arm38a completes the circuit through the contact h for the solenoid G whichimparts a sudden movement to the actuator C to dislodge the coins fromthe receptacles and it holds down the actuator C until the ice block isdispensed. The switch arm it closes the circuit at the contact pointEril through the lead |33, |34 to the relay |03 which lifts the bar |32to close the contacts |30 and |31 and the contacts it and W5. Asexplained earlier, this starts the motor cycle on the dispensingoperation.

Going back to the point |2611, the other branch ofthe circuit goesthrough the lead |21 to the contact point |30,` then through the bar |32to the contact point |3| and through the lead |34 into the relay |03 andto the other side of the circuit through the lead |35. This is a holdingcircuit and assures that the relay |03 will hold the motor circuitclosed until the conveyor has moved a block of ice into the deliverychute. As the block of ice passes down the delivery chute, it actuatesthe arm |50 on the normally closed limit switch |23 which breaks thecircuit to the relay |03 and also breaks the circuit to the solenoid G.The counterweight on the actuator C then lifts the coin receptacles backinto their position `ready to receive the next insertion of coins. Italso moves the switch arm |40 back to close the contact at |45 whichenergizes the solenoid H to lift the bars 90 out ofthe path of themoneycoin slides i0.

A counter |31 may be provided and will be actuated by a magnet throughthe branch circuit |36 and |38.

It is believed that the foregoing makes the operation clear. Brieflywhat takes place is as follows: l When there is ice in the machine to bedispenseditsupports the arm |l5| to close the limit switch contact |24a.lThis energizes the solenoid H which supports the lock out bars 90.

When Athe customer has inserted in the coin slides 20 the requisitecoins and has moved these in so that the coins will drop into thereceptacles 6|, 12, 13, ythe actuator C will tilt downwardly thereby'effecting movement of the switch arm 86 l which energizes .the solenoidG to pull the actuator into its full downward position and to dislodgethe coins from the receptacles. The movement of the actuator C alsoopened the circuit to the solenoid H which allows the lock out bars 90to drop so that no more coins can be inserted by the slides 20 until thecycle underway is completed. The switch arm |40 was moved by the switchlever toclose .the contact at |4| which energizes the relay |03 therebyclosing the motor circuit and starting movement of the conveyor beltJ topropel a, cake of ice over the end of the conveyor belt. When the cakeof ice `falls into the delivery chute K it moves the arm |50 therebyopening the normally closed limit switch |23 which de-energizes thesolenoid G and allows the actuator to swing back to normal position andit also opens the circuit to the relay |03 which breaksthe circuit to.the conveyor motor. If there is still a cake of ice on the conveyorbelt supporting the arm 5| on the normally closed limit switch |24, thecircuit lto the solenoid H will be energized and it will hold up thelock out bars 90 so ythat lcoins may be inserted by a customer to effectthe purchase of the next cake of ice.

I claim:

1. In an automatic, coin-tilted actuating mechanism for initiating acycle in a vending machine, the combination of a pivoted counterbalancedactuator; a plurality of coin receptacles secured to said actuator onthe side opposite said counterbalance; arms supporting said coinreceptacles at predetermined distances from said pivot; a coinreceptacle on said counterbalance, said receptacle being the samedistance from said pivot as the oppositely arranged coin receptacleclosest to said pivot; and means for depositing coins in said armsupported coin receptacles; said counterbalance being of a Weight whichis overcome by the deposit in any opposite coin receptacle of a coin,said "coin receptacle on said 10" counterbalance being adapted toreceive one or' more nickels, the opposite coin receptacle closest tosaid pivot `being' adapted to receive nickels, and the other oppositecoin receptacles being spaced l from said pivot so that a dime droppedin one will equal in weight two nickels in the coin receptacle on saidcounterbalance and a quarter dropped in one will equal in weight livenickels in the coin receptacle onsaid counterbalance.

2. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations ofcoins and 4to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of apredetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; anactuator body member supported by said frame member for swingingmovement about a fulcrum point upon the application of a predeterminedmoment of force; a plurality of coin receptacles corresponding in numberto the coins which are to be used; spacing means for holding saidreceptacles rigidly `to said body member at a distance from said fulcrumpoint corresponding to the relative weight-per-value of each coin; aplurality of coin insertion means supported by said frame member forimpelling each type of `coin Vto a drop-out opening therethrough aboveits proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to saidframe member for controlling said electric rcircuit; switch-throwingmeans secured to said actuator ybody member to throw said switch whensaid body member is tilted bythe predetermined value of coins; asolenoid energized by said actuator throwing said switch; and a solenoidcore secured to said actuator and adapted to be pulled into saidsolenoid when said solenoid is energized to cause said actuator to swingfar enough to dump the coins from .the receptacle ,and -to be held thereuntil said solenoid is de-energized.

3. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations ofcoins and lto actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of apredetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; anactuator body member sups por-ted by said frame member for swingingmovement about a fulcrum point upon the application of a predeterminedmoment of force; a plurality `of coin receptacles corresponding innumber to the coins which are to be used; spacing means for holding saidreceptacles rigidly to said body member at a distance from said iulcrumpoint corresponding to the relative weight per Value of each coin; aplurality of coin insertion means supported by said frame member forimpelling each type ofi-coin to a drop-out opening therethrough aboveits proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to saidframe member for controlling said electric circuit; switch- .throwingmeans secured to said actuator body member to throw said switch whensaid body member is tilted by the predetermined value of coins; asolenoid energized by said actuator throwing said switch; a solenoidcore secured to said actuator and adapted to be pulled intosaid solenoidwhen the solenoid is energized .to cause said actuator to swing farenough to dump the coins from the receptacles and to be held there untilsaid solenoid is de-energized; and a normally closed relay in saidcircuit that is opened momentarily upon -delivery of merchandise so asto de-energize said solenoid and permit the return of said actuator bodymember to its normal position.

4. A coin-operated device adapted to receive dilferent denominations ofcoins and to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of a predeternmined total value, including in combination a frame member; an actuatorbody member sup,- ported by said frame member for swinging movementabout a fulcrum point upon the applic-ation of a predetermined moment offorce; a plurality7 of coin receptaclescorresponding in number to thecoins which are to be used; spacing means for holding said receptaclesrigidly to saidbody member at a distance from said fulcrum pointcorresponding to the relative Weight-pervalue of each coin; a pluralityof coin insertion means supported by said framev member for impellingeach type of coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above its properreceptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to said frame memberfor controlling said electric circuit; switchthrowing means secured tosaid actuator body member to throw said switch when said body membertilted by the predetermined value of coins; and a loch-,out mechanismacting to. prevent the insertion of coins during` a cycle of operationinitiated by a previously inserted coin, said. lock-out mechanismincluding in combina.- tion. a plurality oi lock-out bars mounted formovement up and dov/n and positioned when in their lower position to.intercept. the path of said coin insertion means. to prevent theirentry. into the device to their coin depositing position;solenoid.-operatedmeans to raise said bars out of the way of said coininsertion means, said. solenoid being de-energized when said switch is..thrown and thereby dropping said bar; andswitch means to effect are-energization of said solenoid upon. the completion of a cycle.

5. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations ofcoins and to actuate a cycle of operation upon deposit of apredetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; anactuator body member supported by said frame member for swingingmovement about a fulcrum point upon the application of a predeterminedmoment of force; a plurality oi coin receptacles corresponding in num.-ber to the coins which are to be used; spacing means tor holding saidreceptacles rigidly to said body member at a distance from said fulcrumpoint corresponding to the relative weight-per- Value of each coin; aplurality of coin insertion means supported by said' frame member forimpelling each type ofA coin to a drop-out opening therethrough aboveits proper receptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to saidframe member for controlling said electric circuit; switch-throwingmeans secured to said actuator rbody member to throw said switch whensaid body member is tilted by the predetermined value oi coins; and alock-out mechanism serving toprevent the i-se1tion oi coins duringacycle ofl operation initialed by a previously insertedl coin, saidloch-out mechanism including incombination a plurality of lock-out barscorrespondingin number to said insertion means, each bar being mountedpivotally adjacent one. end for movement of the other end up and down, aportiony near said latterl end when in its lower position interceptingthe path of its associated coin in.-

sertion means and preventingA itsv entry into the device its movementtoits coin depositingv position; a yoke means passingI beneath said latterend portion of all said bars a solenoidoperated means toraise saidyokemeans and liit` all of bars above their interception position, saidsolenoid being energizedlby said circuit, and being tie-energized whensaidactuator throws r12 said switch and remaining cle-energized untilsaid actuator returns and said switch returns to its, original positionupon the completion of a cycle.

G. A coin-operated device adapted to receive, different denominations ofcoins and to actua-te a cycle of operation upon deposit of apredetermined total value, including in combination a. frame. member; acounterweighted actuator body member supported by said frame member forswingingl movement about a iulcrum point upon the application. of apredetermined moment of force; a plurality of coin receptaclescorresponding in number to the selection of coins which may be used;spacing means for holding said recep.- tacles rigidly to said bodymember at a distance from said fulcrum point corresponding tov therelative weig-ht-per-value of each coin; a plu.- ralityI of coininsertion means supported by said frame member for impelling each typeof coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above. its proper receptacle;the coin insertion means for the coin. whose receptacle is, nearer thefulcrum point than the other coin receptacles including in combination aguide sleeve extending into a drop-out opening inside saidY device; aslide Waypositioned below said guide sleeve drop-out. opening andextending beyond it to providek its own drop-out opening; a coininsertion member for said coin being movable in said guide sleeve andhaving a pocket to receive a coin so that said coinr may be propelledalongV said guide toY said sleeve drop-out opening irst mentioned, when.said insertion member is moved in saidwsleeyef; a pusher member securedadjacent and@Y extend.- ing beyond the inner c nd of; said, insertionmentber, being adapted to engage aV @Gill that fallen through saidsleeve drop-out opening andY to propel it toward said slide way drop-outopening.; and a leaf spring secured over said slideway adjacent saidAslide way drop-out opening to pre,- vent premature movement of coinsthereto.

'1. A com-operated device adapted to receivey different denominations ofcoins and toactuate a cycle oi operation upon deposit of a predeterminedtotal value, including in combination a frame member; a counterweightedactuator body member supportedl by said frame member for swingingmovement about aA fulcrum; point upon the application of a predeterminedmoment of.. force; aplurality of coin receptacles corresponding innumber to the selection of coins. which may be used, said receptaclescomprisingv a. Wall. open. on the side` more distant froml thet fulcrumand. a door` inclined down in the direction toward said iulcrum; spacingmeans for. hol-ding said receptacles rigidly to. said body member at avdistance; from said fulcrum point correspondingy to, the relativeweight-per-value of each coin; and a plurality of coin. insertion meanssupportedbig said frame member for impelling each type of coin to adrop-out opening. therethrough above itsproper receptaclen Y 8. r'hedevice of claim G in, which an additional. leaf spring isgsecured abovesaid, slideway drops out openingv to limit any upwardlbounce impelled bythe nrst leaf spring and cause said coin to fallv dat into saidreceptacle.

9. The device. of claim '7j in which there isa plate depending from theframey adjacenty the openliront end of said receptacles whensai'd ac.-Vvtuatcr is in its horizontal. position, to prevent` coins from spillingtherefrom.y

l0. A coin. chute for a coin operated. devicev including in combination,aA guide sleeveextend.- ing: in to a drop-out opening insidesaid device;

be propelled along said guide to said sleeve dropout opening when saidinsertion member is moved inwardly in said sleeve; a pusher membersecured adjacent and extending beyond therinner end of said insertionmember, being adapted to engage a coin that has fallen through saidsleeve drop-` out opening and to propel it toward said slide Waydrop-out opening; and a leaf spring secured over said slide way adjacentsaid slide way dropout opening to prevent premature movement of `coinsthereto.

1l. The chute of `claim 10 in which there is an additional leaf springsecured directly over said slide way drop-out opening to prevent coinsfrom being urged upward or out of a ilat position.

12. A lock-out mechanism for a coin-operated device having a pluralityof coin-impelling slide means, said mechanism serving to prevent theinsertion of coins during a cycle of operation initiated by previouslyinserted coins, and including in combination a plurality of lock-outbars corresponding in number to said slide means,`

drop said yoke means and bars on the initiation of a, cycle; and meansto reenergize said solenoid upon the completion of a cycle.

13. A coin-operated device adapted to receive different denominations ofcoins and to actuate a cycle of operations upon deposit of apredetermined total value, including in combination a frame member; acounterweighted actuator vbody member supported by said frame member forswinging movement about a iulcrum point upon the application of apredetermined moment of force, said actuator body member having achamber adapted to receive coins of the denomination having the leastweight-per-value of the coins accepted by the device so that the valueof coins to be deposited by the customer maybe changed by insertingcoins in or removing coins from said chamber; a plurality of coinreceptacles corresponding in number to the selection of coins which maybe used; spacing means for holding said receptacles rigidly to said bodymember at a distance from said fulcrum point corresponding `to therelative weight-per-value of each coin; and a plurality of coininsertion rneansv supported by said frame member for impelling each typeof coin to a drop-out opening therethrough above its proper receptacle.

14. A coin-operated actuation device adapted to receive differentdenominations of coins and to move to its actuating position upondeposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination anactuator body member supported for swinging movement abolita fulcrumpoint upon the application of a force, said body member being providedwith a recess parallel to the pivot line of the member and adapted toreceive coins of the denomination of the least Weight-per-value receivedby the means passing bepredetermined moment of` recess in said bodymember being on the oppo` site side of the iulcrum from said receptaclesand adapted to hold its coins at the same eliective distance from `thei'ulcrum as the receptacle closest to the fulcrum.

15. The device of claim 14 in which a loose coil spring is disposed insaid recess to maintain said coins in position.

16. A coin chute for a coin-operated device including in combination, aguide sleeve extending into a drop-out opening inside said device; aslide way positioned below said guide sleeve dropout opening andextending beyond it to its own drop-out opening; a coin insertion membermovable in said guide sleeve and having a pocket to receive a coin sothat said coin may be propelled along said guide to said sleeve drop-outopening when said insertion member is moved inwardly in said sleeve; apusher member secured adjacentand extending beyond the inner end of saidinsertion member, being adapted to engage a coin that has fallen throughsaid sleeve drop-out opening and to propel it toward said slide waydropout opening; and restraining means along said slide way forcontrolling movement of coins therealong and braking their momentum `atthe end of the lnward stroke of said pushing means.

17. A coin-operated device adapted to actuate a cycle of operation upondeposit of a predetermined value of coins, including in combination aframe member; an actuator body member supported by said frame member forswinging movement about a i'ulcrum point upon the application of apredetermined moment of force; at least one coin receptacle held rigidlyby said body member; coin insertion means supported by said frame memberIor depositingeach coin in its coin receptacle; an electric circuit; -aswitch secured to said frame member for controlling said electriccircuit; switch-throwing means secured to said actuator body member tothrow said switch when said body member is tilted by the predeterminedvalue of coins; a solenoid energized by said actuator throwing saidswitcn; a solenoid core secured to said actuator and adapted to bepulled into said solenoidwhen the solenoid is energized to cause saidactuator to swing rar enough to dump the coins from the receptacles andto be held there until said solenoid is deenergized; and a normallyclosed relay in said circuit that is opened momentarily upon deliveryor' merchandise so as to deenerglze said solenoid and permit the returno1 said actuator body inember to its normal position.

18. A coin-operated device adapted to actuate a cycle of operation upondeposit of a predetermined value ci' coins and to prevent the deposit offurther coins until completion of the cycle, including in combination aframe member; an actuator therein having a plurality of coin receptaclesand responsive to the application of the predetermined value oi' coins;a plurality of coin insertion means supported by said frame member forimpelling each type of coin to and depositing it in its properreceptacle; an electric circuit; a switch secured to said frame memberfor controlling-said electric circuit; switch-throw* ing means securedto said actuator to throw said switch when said actuator has receivedthe predetermined value of coins ;4 and a lock-out mechanism acting toprevent the insertion of coins during a cycleof operation initiated by apreviously inserted coin, said lock-out mechanism including incombination a plurality of lock-out bars mounted for movement up anddown and positioned when in their lower position` to intercept the pathof said coin insertion means tol prevent their entry into the device totheir coin depositing position; solenoid-operated means to raise saidbars out of the way of said coin insertion means, said solenoid beingole-energized when said switch is thrown and thereby dropping said bar;and switch means to eiect a re-energization of said solenoid upon thecompletion of a cycle.

19. A coin-operated device adapted to actuate a cycle o1" operation upondeposit of a predetermined total value, including in combination a framemember; an actuator supported therein and responsive to the applicationof said predetermined total value; a plurality of coin receptacles onsaid actuator; a plurality of` coin insertion means supported by saidframe member for impelling each type of coin to its proper re ceptacle;the coin insertion means for at least one receptacle including incombination a guide sleeve' extending in toa drop-out opening insidesaid device; a slide way positioned below said guide sleeve drop-outopening vand extending beyond it to provide its own drop-out opening; acoin insertion member for said coin being movable in said' guide sleeveand having a pocket to receive a coin so that said coin may be propelledalong; said guide to said sleeve drop-out opening rst mentionedrwnensaid insertion member is moved in said sleeve;` a pusher member securedadjacent and extending beyond the innei` end o said insertion member,being adapted to engage a coin that has fallen through said sleevedropout opening and; to propel it toward said slide Way drop-outopening;and a leaf spring secured over said slide way adjacent said slide Waydropout opening to prevent premature movement of coins thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 766,777 Stimpson Aug. 2, 1904 1,942,443 Neumann Jan. 9, 19341,942,618 Scott Jan. 9, 1934 1,986,714 Clayton Jan. 1, 1935 2,330,186Jetseck Sept. 21, 1943 2,436,646 Henne Feb. 24, 1948

